mclaren steps into extreme E racing with all-electric 'odyssey 21' SUV

mclaren unveils all-electric TRUCK ‘odyssey 21’

like many brands in the automotive industry, british company mclaren has stepped into the world of E racing with its all-electric SUV, the ‘odyssey 21’. the new car was unveiled during the united nations climate change conference (COP26), featuring the firm’s signature papaya orange color and ink detailing by artist vic lee.

all images courtesy of mclaren XE

joining the world of extreme E

extreme E is an innovative all-electric off-road series, comprised of five races. by having high-powered electric SUVs race in remote terrains, the motorsport aims to explore the technological future of racing, while promoting sustainability and raising climate awareness. what’s more, extreme E supports diversity, by insisting that all teams consist of both a male and a female driver.

‘our decision to enter extreme E will inform and enlighten our own journey of discovery and is underpinned by a clear imperative to accelerate mclaren racing’s own sustainability which places carbon reduction, recycling and reuse and elimination of waste at its core,’ mclaren shares on its official website. ‘our ambition is to help drive and champion the sport and industry agenda forward, in partnership with all our stakeholders, to positively contribute to a truly sustainable future.’

bright orange and inked decorations complete ‘odyssey 21’

the car sports a vibrant buggy-shaped exterior, painted in mclaren’s characteristic orange color. what really catches the eye is the way the bodywork has been designed, featuring penned ornaments by vic lee (find more here) which depict the places where the electrified division will go in 2022 (arctic, amazon, desert, and ocean).

the ‘odyssey 21’, like the others it will compete against next year, will develop 550 near-silent horsepower. the car will will be driven by the world-famous rally racer tanner faust and mclaren’s first female driver, emma gilmore.